PAKISTAN NEED RE GROUPING AND REGAINING OF CONFIDENCE by Arshad Chughtai

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Event:

ICC World Cup 2010/11

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DateLine: 13th March 2011

 

It is not insulting to lose but it is humiliating not to fight. It is however, unfortunate that the later part of the phrase describes Pakistan’s meek and poor performance in their world cup group match against New Zealand at Pallekele on March 8. It was Pakistan’s one of the worst defeats in the World Cups. On the other hand, it was one of the biggest victories ever achieved by a margin of runs by the New Zealand. Black caps supremely dominated Pakistan’s innings and earlier even while they plundered 114 runs in the last 6 over’s on their turn. In contrast, to great dismay and disbelief of their supporters, the 1992 World Cup champions abjectly surrendered.

 

Cricket for all it notoriety as a game of glorious uncertainties is not all that unpredictable as Pakistan proved it on the day. The guts, grit and tenacity were lacking. Their batsmen threw in the towel much too easily without putting up any semblance of a fight. In fact they were not just equal to the task. Again their fielding specially the wicket keeping was scratchy and their bowling particularly in the final over’s was not up to the mark.

 

It really beats me how such a talented bunch of cricketers could be so unpredictable. Naturally one is bound to think and there must be something inherently wrong with in the team to take every ounce of fight out of it.

 

It is a fact that the proverbial phrase that cricket is a game by chance no more hold good in modern days of advanced professionalism developed competence and increased frequency of competitions. Today the teams need over all professional competence/temperament and nerves to meet the charged atmosphere and variable conditions. Those teams which lacked these elements may not survive in hard contests. I am afraid Pakistan team despite capability and potential lacks the required professional skills to rise to the occasion. The onus of which lies on the management, players, the coach, the manager and in fact on the entire system of the game in the country.

 

On the run of play New Zealand who at one stage looked hardly to reach 250 amassed 302-7 which was architected by dazzling display of batting by Ross Taylor who notched up un beaten 131 of 124 balls smashing 8 sixes and 7 fours. Such was the plight and misery of Pakistan bowlers that 85 runs were plundered merely of 22 deliveries by the seventh wicket partnership between Ross Taylor and JDP Oram. Only Umar Gul (3-32) was somewhat effective. Chasing the huge target Pakistan succumbed and were bowled out for 192 in 41.4 over’s despite Abdul Razzaqs (62)’s lone fight. All New Zealand bowlers bowled superbly and were unplayable on the day.

 

Let us hope that Pakistan immediately sort out all its problems, regroup and are able to regain confidence to achieve better results in coming matches.

 

Lastly a word about Mohammad Yousuf, it is learnt that he has been dropped from the list of players who have been awarded central contract by the PCB. Such treatment to such a great player who has been performing so well until recently and who had been recalled during Pakistan’s last tour to England certainly is questionable and simply unjustified. Is this the way to show door to a national hero! Honestly, I am afraid, that this is continuance of inconsistent and controversial policies on the part of cricket management. Mohammad Yousuf definitely should be part of Pakistan test batting line up.

(Article: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author only.
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